Pouring a hazy orange with just a light skiff of a snow white head, this double IPA is deceivingly drinkable. Not too cloying, not too bitter, Hop Rising deftly reveals hints of tropical fruit (think mango), plus grapefruit, lime and lemony citrus atop a light yet sturdy backbone of caramel sweetness. Resinous pine notes sneak into the party like an underage drinker on a fake ID, as well. At 9% ABV, Hop Rising is not a beer to take lightly, yet you might forget the strength of this double IPA because it’s so drinkable. Consider yourself warned.- Lisa Morrison

If, from a double IPA, you expect a hefty wallop of hop resins over a supportive malt base with a little alcoholic warmth as an extra, then this Squatters beer will certainly float your boat. Pine dominates from the first sniff, giving way in the aroma to juicy oranges, with just a hint of caramel somewhere in the distance. Tangy, piney hops burst onto the tongue, swiftly followed by a creamy malt sweetness, some floral notes and more juicy orange. The finish is dry, bitter and thick, with tangy, tongue-burning hops bringing yet more pine to round things off.- Jeff Evans

Lisa MorrisonLisa Morrison, aka the Beer Goddess, talks beer every day at her beer store and taproom, Belmont Station, and on a weekly radio show in her hometown of Portland, OR.

Jeff EvansJeff Evans is author of the Good Bottled Beer Guide, The Book of Beer Knowledge and Beer Lover’s Britain. More of his writing can be found at www.insidebeer.com.